Information Technology Reference
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Expanding variety in the type of computer
use is likely to be the real culprit in precipitating
a rise in ergonomic challenges. PDAs (personal
digital assistants), mobile computing, “hot desk-
ing” (Hanson, 2004), and telecommuting are
introducing new ergonomic challenges daily.
Until recent years, the computing ergonomic
focus has primarily been on stationary computer
use. Mobile computing is an exploding trend for
end users working outside of the traditional office.
Mobile computing devices allow for these work-
ers to perform job functions while in the field, at
home, or while traveling. Benefits abound for the
use of such enabling technology.
For example, mobile devices allow salespeople
to more efficiently perform the sales process from
start to finish. With wireless connections and
a laptop, up to date data regarding a particular
product (availability, price, delivery options, etc.)
are readily accessible for immediate use. Hand-
held devices, such as PDAs, improve business
processes by increasing portability. Data acces-
sibility, immediate processing, and virtual office
capabilities provide positive returns.
However, the mobile computing environment
introduces a new area of ergonomic concerns. Is
the ergonomic impact of the use of mobile devices
being carefully monitored? Is the work environ-
ment while on the airplane suitable? What about
the size of the keyboard on laptops or handhelds,
especially as it relates to posture and vision? Is
that so called “lightweight laptop” (including
accessories) really lightweight? How are “shared
workstations” designed to meet the specific needs
of different users? Is the “home office” properly
designed or is it “lowest cost furnishings” used
in leftover space? Are mobile end users “making
do” by adjusting themselves to fit the technology?
If so, then an ergonomic dilemma may be just
around the corner.
The extended volume of computer use is driven
by three factors: the growing number of people
using computers at work (Bureau of Labor Statis-
tics, 2005), the expanding computing component
in existing jobs, and increasing work day length.
To paraphrase, more people are using computers
to do more things and escalating productivity
demands are adding hours to the work day. One
survey reports that 9 out of 10 computer users
say that workstation setup ergonomic issues
directly affect their productivity. Since almost
half of the survey respondents use a computer
for work 8 or more hours per day, it is clear that
any impact on productivity has the potential to
be significant. (The Comfort Connection, 2004)
Even with design improvements and technology
advances the shear volume of use will extract a
toll on workers.
This article includes a review of the impor-
tant current and emerging ergonomic issues,
especially in the mobile end user environment.
It also provides suggestions and resources and
addresses management challenges rising from
ergonomic issues.
why ergonomiCs now?
Historically, the computer ergonomic emphasis
found in research and the media was on muscu-
loskeletal disorders (MSD), vision problems, and
radiation effects, especially on pregnancy. (Clark,
2001) The research produced useful awareness of
advice and products that reduced, or in some cases
even eliminated, ergonomic concerns. Even with
improvements, some of these problems, such as
repetitive stress injuries (RSI) like carpel tunnel
syndrome (CTS), muscle fatigue and neck and
shoulder pain, remain a source of concern. Are
businesses paying attention to these issues today?
Should they be? Or is computer ergonomics an
outdated fad?
A tight economy and the demise of federal
regulations (Tahmincioglu, 2004), rather than
resolved problems, may be key contributing fac-
tors to the reduced ergonomic emphasis. Does this
mean that the potentially negative consequences
have disappeared and are no longer of concern?
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